Health

Colman Chadam, 11, Banned from School Because He Has Gene for Cystic Fibrosis

Colman Chadam, 11, was recently banned from attending classes by Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto, California, because he carries the gene for cystic fibrosis.

However, Chadam doesn't actually have the disease and shows no symptoms, reports the Daily Mail.

Cystic fibrosis disease is incurable and life threatening because it causes thick mucous to clog the lungs and can cause infections.

Cystic fibrosis is not contagious, but there is the risk of cross-infection among people who have cystic fibrosis, or those who are at genetic risk for the disease.

Colman's parents say their son poses no risk to other students and are fighting the school's decision. They are waiting for a court ruling next Thursday.

The schools claims that Colman must be removed because a number of other students at the school already have the disease and there is a risk of cross-contamination. The school gave no reason why those students were not a threat to each other.

Colman's parents disclosed Colman's genetic condition on a school medical form, but did not expected the school to ban their son.

Colman's mother Jennifer Chadam told the San Francisco Chronicle: "They made this decision without seeing one medical record on my son. If I felt Colman was a risk to others, I would move him. I don't want anyone to get sick."

Colman told the 'Today' show: "I was sad but at the same time I was mad because I understood that I hadn't done anything wrong. It feels like I'm being bullied in a way that is not right."